National Response Protocol Version 2 released

The National Response Protocol is a framework for Catholic entities across Australia to respond consistently to people raising concerns or allegations of child abuse. The National Response Protocol outlines principles and procedures to offer a consistent response to children and adults who have been subjected to abuse by Church personnel.

The National Response Protocol was adopted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) and came into effect for all dioceses and ACBC member entities from 1 February 2021.

In May 2022 the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference adopted Version 2 of the National Response Protocol. Version 2 makes minor changes to the National Response Protocol to expand the scope to include abuse against vulnerable adults and implements referencing for ease of application.

The updates have not changed the procedures to be followed and therefore should not cause any interruption to any matters currently underway.

Version 2 of the National Response Protocol is available for download and immediate use here.